How to Get a Bird Out of Your Garage Without Hurting It: Responsible Bird Extraction

Did you accidentally leave the garage door open and now there’s a bird flying around inside? Getting a bird out of your garage can be done with patience, a focus on keeping the bird calm, and a series of gentle nudges to help guide the bird toward the open door or window.

If you’ve ever tried to get a bird out of an enclosed space, you know it can feel like a wild goose chase. This article will walk you through the best ways to do it, including proven methods for getting a bird out of your garage without causing it stress or harm. With insights from wildlife professionals and personal experience, you’ll learn the steps that will help you get the bird out of your garage with as little hassle and stress as possible.

Making a Safe Escape Route for the Bird

The first step to getting a bird out of your garage is to make sure there is a safe and clear way for the bird to leave on its own. As noted by Hunker, you should open all of the garage doors and windows to give the bird as many options as possible. This way, the bird can see the light and the open air and make a choice that feels safe to it.

You should also make sure that you turn off any lights or other sources of light that could disorient the bird and make it harder for the bird to find the exits. Birds are attracted to light, so if you can make the garage darker, you can help guide the bird to the open doors and windows.

Before you let the bird out, take a moment to look around and remove any obstacles that could get in the way of the bird's escape. This includes things like items on the floor and hanging items. The fewer obstacles the bird has to navigate, the less likely it is that it will get hurt or trapped again.

Once you've done this, it's important to stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the bird. Give the bird time to find its way out on its own. If you try to force the bird out, you could end up causing it more stress and making it harder to get the situation under control in a way that's safe and humane.

Use Gentle Herding Methods to Encourage the Bird to Leave

If the bird doesn't immediately see the open door or window, you can use gentle herding methods to help it find its way out. According to Hunker, one way to do this is to use a brightly colored object, like a towel or piece of clothing, to coax the bird in the right direction. That said, you should never try to chase or corner the bird directly, as this will only stress it out and make it harder to get it out of the garage.

Alternatively, Freedom Wildlife Solutions recommends that if herding doesn't work, you may want to try to capture the bird with a long-handled net or container and then release it outside. No matter what, it's important to be patient and calm, as the Avian Adventures article points out.

If the Bird Is Injured or Distressed

If the bird you find is showing signs of distress, it's important to note that you should not handle it directly without proper protection. According to the Audubon New York guide, signs of an adult songbird in distress include being on the ground and not moving, easily picked up, having extremely fluffed up feathers, or showing signs of injury like a dangling leg or drooping wing.

In these cases, you should call your local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control to ask for help in catching and transporting the bird. Instructables suggests putting the bird in a ventilated cardboard box or container lined with a soft cloth, but warns against force feeding or giving water. This will help prevent further stress or injury until the bird can be taken to a professional.

As noted by Mass Audubon, it's important to make sure you get help from licensed wildlife rehabilitators, as they will have the right tools and knowledge to give the injured bird the best chance of survival. Trying to care for the bird yourself or handling certain protected species in the wrong way could get you in trouble with the law.

How to Keep Birds Out of Your Garage

After you've successfully removed the bird from your garage, you'll want to take steps to prevent another bird from getting in. According to Peak Services, birds are attracted to the safety, convenience, and readily available resources that garages can provide. To prevent birds from moving in, you'll want to make sure that you take steps to keep them out.

The first and most obvious step is to make sure that you keep your garage doors and windows closed when you're not using them, as suggested by Avian Control. You'll also want to make sure that you seal any potential entry points or gaps that birds could use to get in and out of your garage. You can also install screens or netting over windows and other openings to make it harder for birds to get in.

In addition to securing your garage, Freedom Wildlife Solutions recommends that you remove any food sources and nesting materials that could attract birds to the area. This includes keeping the area around your garage free of debris. You can also use humane deterrents like reflective objects and predator decoys to keep birds from wanting to nest near your garage, according to Peak Services.

By taking these steps, you can make it much less likely that birds will try to get into your garage and ensure that it stays a bird-free space.

How to Deal With Bird Nests in the Garage

If a bird's nest is found in the garage, it's important to know the legal and ethical guidelines before attempting to remove it. According to The Spruce, in the United States, it is a federal law and illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, which is defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults. However, if the nest is abandoned or no eggs have been laid, it is legal to remove or destroy the nest.

As pointed out by Call Northwest, the best time to remove or relocate a nest is after nesting season, which varies depending on the species. If you're not sure of the legalities or best practices for dealing with a bird's nest, it's best to call a professional wildlife exclusion company for help.

When it is OK to remove a bird's nest, Bob Vila suggests wearing gloves and cleaning any surfaces that the nest has come into contact with. Disposing of the nest in a sealed bag or container and cleaning the area can also help keep predators from being attracted to the nest.

If an active nest is in a dangerous location, such as on a garage door track, Precision Door says to call a local wildlife center to find out what to do. Trying to remove an active nest yourself can be harmful to the birds.

By knowing the legal and ethical guidelines for dealing with bird nests and getting professional help when you need it, you can make sure that you're handling the situation responsibly and in a way that's best for the birds. This will make sure that the removal process is easy and safe and that the birds won't nest in the garage again.

Conclusion: Important Things to Remember When Removing a Bird From a Garage

The most important thing to remember when removing a bird from a garage is to stay calm, minimize stress to the bird, and ensure that the bird has a clear path to escape. Forcing the bird out will only cause it more stress and could lead to injury.

In addition, make sure to take steps to keep birds from getting into the garage in the first place, and get help from a professional if you find an injured bird or an active nest. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and humane outcome for both the bird and yourself.